News Article
Join these FEMA Webinars in April
In 2020, Colorado experienced an unprecedented wildfire season. The East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Wildfires scorched over 400,000 acres and destroyed 1,041 structures, including nearly 600 residences. Consequently, flood risk after a wildfire increases dramatically - and where it rains, it can flood. While Colorado is still recovering from these historic events, it’s important to understand the increased risk and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
Join experts from wildfire, flood, agriculture and insurance organizations for a series of upcoming webinars discussing important recovery and rebuilding aspects as well as increased flood risk after a wildfire. Panelists will answer frequently asked questions and provide informative resources you can use today.
FEMA Mitigation Resources
Download this FEMA and State of Colorado Resource Guide
If you have questions please email FEMA‐R8‐HMhelp@fema.dhs.gov
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
The State of Colorado received notification on February 24, 2021, of the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance declaration. Disaster assistance is awarded for both physical damage and economic injury to business owners, homeowners and private non-profit agencies. The counties eligible for disaster assistance:
Weather Spotter Training Session for Areas Impacted by Wildfire
The NWS Boulder scheduled a weather spotter training session that will emphasize burn scar flooding for communities that could be impacted by burn scar flooding in the coming years. The link to sign up is below for the April 20 session at 6:30 p.m. focused on mountains and foothills communities. This talk will be geared with emphasis on burn scars and the potential for flash flooding this season.
Fire Departments: Reimbursement Opportunity for Wildland Fire Damages
Fire departments or fire districts that responded to any wildfires in Grand or Larimer County between September 6 and November 5, 2020, are eligible to apply for FEMA Public Assistance.
DR4581: FEMA Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) and Disaster Recovery Information
As you repair and rebuild your communities, environmental and historic preservation concerns may seem unimportant. However, as with all federal funding, certain requirements related to the environment must be fulfilled. This information is provided to help you better understand environmental factors that you must consider as you apply for FEMA funding. The information and assistance described here will help avoid any environmental roadblocks or time delays. The most important message is that EHP staff are available to help you with all environmental requirements.
Public Assistance Applicant Briefing Schedule Announced for DR4581 (Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires)
To register for a briefing, email DHSEM Recovery Specialist Lauren Butner with the following information:
SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Colorado's Private Non-Profit Organizations
SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Colorado: Private Nonprofit Organizations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Colorado following the federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of wildfires that occurred Sept. 6 – Nov. 5, 2020, announced the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
2021 Colorado Office of Emergency Management Director Message
Last year when I wrote the 2020 letter to you, we could not have imagined the year we would have. Nonetheless, we were not caught unprepared. We began a serious conversation about emergency management as part of a complex adaptive system at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference. Little did we know that shortly after the conference we would be thrust into exactly that environment as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across Colorado.